In *Pokemon TCG Pocket*, several Special Conditions from the physical *Pokemon Trading Card Game* are replicated, including the Poisoned status. This condition is crucial to understand, as it can significantly impact gameplay. When a Pokemon is Poisoned, it loses 10 HP at the end of each round, and this effect persists until the Pokemon is either cured or knocked out. The mechanics of Poisoned, the cards that apply it, methods to cure it, and the best Poison decks in the current metagame are all essential aspects to master for any player.
What Is 'Poisoned' in Pokemon TCG Pocket?
Poisoned is a Special Condition that causes a Pokemon to lose 10 HP at the end of each round. This effect is checked during the round's Checkup phase. Unlike some other conditions, Poisoned doesn't dissipate automatically or through coin flips; it remains until the affected Pokemon is cured or knocked out.
While multiple Poison effects won't stack to increase the HP loss beyond 10 per turn, you can capitalize on a Poisoned opponent with certain cards. For instance, Muk can deal an additional +50 DMG to a Poisoned foe, making Poisoned a valuable tool in strategic deck building.
Which Cards Have the Poisoned Ability?
In the Genetic Apex expansion, the following cards can apply the Poisoned status:
- Weezing
- Grimer
- Nidoking
- Tentacruel
- Venomoth
Among these, Grimer stands out as a highly effective Basic Pokemon that can poison an enemy with just one Energy. Weezing is another potent choice, utilizing its Gas Leak ability to apply Poisoned without needing Energy, though it can only do so when in the Active slot.
For beginners looking to experiment with Poisoned decks, Pokemon TCG Pocket offers Rental Decks. Koga’s Rental Deck, featuring Grimer and Arbok, serves as an excellent starting point.
How Do You Cure Poisoned?
There are three primary ways to address the Poisoned condition:
- Evolution: Evolving the Poisoned Pokemon immediately removes its Poisoned status.
- Retreat: Moving the Poisoned Pokemon to the Bench halts its HP loss.
- Item Cards: Cards like Potion can heal HP to prolong a Poisoned Pokemon's survival, but they do not cure the Poisoned condition itself.
What Is the Best Poison Deck?
While Poison decks may not dominate the current Pokemon TCG Pocket metagame, a well-constructed lineup featuring Grimer, Arbok, and Muk can be formidable. The strategy focuses on rapidly poisoning opponents with Grimer, trapping them with Arbok, and then using Muk to deal up to 120 DMG to Poisoned enemies.
Below is a detailed table outlining how to build a competitive Poison deck:
Poisoned Deck Details
| Card | Quantity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Grimer | x2 | Applies Poisoned |
| Ekans | x2 | Evolves into Arbok |
| Arbok | x2 | Locks in the enemy’s Active Pokemon |
| Muk | x2 | Deals 120 DMG to Poisoned Pokemon |
| Koffing | x2 | Evolves into Weezing |
| Weezing | x2 | Applies Poisoned with an Ability |
| Koga | x2 | Puts an Active Weezing or Muk back in your hand |
| Poke Ball | x2 | Draws a Basic Pokemon |
| Professor’s Research | x2 | Draws two cards |
| Sabrina | x1 | Forces the enemy’s Active Pokemon to Retreat |
| X Speed | x1 | Discounts the Retreat |
For a versatile backup plan, consider incorporating the Jigglypuff (PA) and Wigglytuff ex lineup into your Poisoned deck. Alternatively, the Nidoking Evolution lineup (Nidoran, Nidorano, Nidoking) offers a slower but high-damage Poisoned strategy.
